Saturday, April 30, 2011

Some PSN Services To Be Available This Week

Sony Computer Entertainment and Sony Network Entertainment International have just announced that some of the PSN's services will be back up this week. Also, the security of the Playstation Network will be upgraded and expect incentives from Sony.

After the attack on the PSN about a week ago Sony had to shut down the PSN to figure out what went wrong and it seems they are almost done. They will be returning services this week, which include:

-Restoring Online game-play across the PS3 and PSP systems-This includes titles requiring online verification and downloaded games-Access to Qriocity for PS3 and PSP for existing subscribers-Access to account management and password reset-Access to download un-expired Movie Rentals on PS3, PSP and MediaGo-PlayStation Home-Friends List-Chat Functionality

The updated security measures are:

-Added automated software monitoring and configuration management to help defend against new attacks-Enhanced levels of data protection and encryption-Enhanced ability to detect software intrusions within the network, unauthorized access and unusual activity patterns-Implementation of additional firewalls

Sony says there is no evidence of PSN users credit card information having been stolen but to make up for that possibility and the time for the PSN being down, they are giving a "Welcome Back" Appreciation Program which is worldwide. The main incentives of the program include:

-Each territory will be offering selected PlayStation entertainment content for free download. Specific information on available content will be announced soon.-All existing PlayStation Network customers will be provided with 30 days free membership in the PlayStation Plus premium service. Current members of PlayStation Plus will receive 30 days free service.-Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity subscribers (in countries where the service is available) will receive 30 days free service.Additional “Welcome Back” offerings will be given out over the coming weeks as the company works on restoring PSN services back to normal.